emirates7 - UAE State Minister Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh stressed the importance of Sri Lanka’s abundant water resources being promoted for the realisation of a blue economy, daily mirror online reported.

He emphasised the importance of bilateral ties. Making his remarks at the function to mark the Sri Lanka National Day of Dubai Expo 2020.

Asserting that the bilateral relationship is strong and long-standing, he said the UAE is the largest trading partner of Sri Lanka in the Middle East. He thanked 300,000 Sri Lankan people working in his country, according to daily mirror online.

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris who also addressed the event said Sri Lanka is presently the vice-chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

He said Sri Lanka had focused on the use of its abundant maritime resources. In developing tourism, he said Sri Lanka had a blend of ingredients on offer to attract tourists in addition to the sun and the beaches. He said traditional and Ayurvedic medicine and Theravada Buddhism were among them, as reported by daily mirror online.

A dancing performance by a Sri Lankan troupe added colour to the occasion.